The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) is now accepting applications for its second round of funding.
Following a successful Round 1 YCAF program, the Town has received an additional $100,000 USD to distribute as microgrants of between $1,500 and $7,000 CAD to fund youth-led climate initiatives.
Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Awareness, education, research and co-development initiatives
- Launching climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives
- Involvement in governance of local climate action plans
These projects can be implemented in any community within the traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes The Town of The Blue Mountains, Grey County, Southern Georgian Bay communities, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation, Bruce County and other communities within this area.
“We are proud to support youth in our region as they advance climate initiatives,” said Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “It was inspiring to see our youth develop their projects last year. I encourage all youth to get involved and raise awareness, work together, engage their community and take bold climate action.”
Projects must be led and implemented by three or more youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and support The Blue Mountains Future Story (the Town’s sustainability plan) and/or Going Green in Grey (Grey County’s Climate Action Plan). Proposals require the support of an eligible sponsoring organization to be considered. Organizations that are looking to participate or partner with youth applicants are encouraged to refer to the Eligible Groups and Organizations section of the Youth Climate Action Fund website.
Applications are due by March 31, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to confirm project eligibility and to help youth leads partner with a sponsoring organization if necessary. Successful projects will be announced on April 22, 2025, with all projects to be completed by October 31, 2025.
For more information, including submission guidelines, eligibility criteria and funding details, visit the Youth Climate Action Fund page on the Town’s Website or contact:
Nicholas Cloet
Sustainability Coordinator
Town of The Blue Mountains
Email
(519) 599-3131 ext. 235
About Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund:
Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund provides cities with the tools, techniques, and supports to leverage innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem-solving and policymaking.
The Town of The Blue Mountains received $50,000 USD in 2024, and $100,000 USD in 2025 to distribute microgrants to fund youth-led climate initiatives as part of the Youth Climate Action Fund.
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for their newsletter, or follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.